Women's football taking off at Hastings - six have signed and another 23 are keen

In January, the club made the first step towards running a women’s team and hired former Crystal Palace, Spurs and Brighton footballer Amy Sinden as head coach.

Six months on the club are full steam ahead building their women’s team, confirmed to be in the Sussex County Women’s and Girls’ League premier division and signing experienced players.

The club have already announced former West Ham player Sophie Reed, ex-Palace keeper Sophie Bridson, local talent Izzy Foot and Rebecca Relf, who joins from Eastbourne Town.

But alongside the launch of the new Nike Hastings United kit we can exclusively reveal two more signings. Attacker Naomi Corrigan joins following a brief spell at Hollington United Lionesses after spending time in the Brighton and Hove Albion Academy, and midfielder Caitlin Tewkesbury joins from Eastbourne United.

It’s not just the signings that are exciting all at the club. After two trial sessions, Hastings have 29 players looking to sign and boost their chances of a successful first season.

“It’s been a really proud moment for me,” said Sinden.

“While we were hopeful of a good turnout, the quality levels have been impressive. The girls are turning up raring to go and managing the sessions well, we are really pleased that we are attracting players locally, who are excited about the club pushing women’s football and from a little further afield which shows what a big club Hastings United is.

“We have players joining from teams in higher leagues, excited about the potential and where we can take it. With 29 players itching to be part of it we’ll have a very competitive squad and I’m proud to be leading the charge into our first season.”

Club CEO Billy Wood made his intentions regarding women’s football at Hastings United clear when he joined.

“Like I told the supporters, I was embarrassed we didn’t have a women’s team for the size of this town, so it was key we had to work out a strategy to highlight women’s football in a way that not only made it an option at the club but something that’s a signal of growth and success.

“The club’s culture is one that prides itself on competition and we haven’t set a women’s team up just to make up numbers. The amount of interest, the level of talent we have signed – and when I say talent not just the six announced – we have a competitive squad here where they will all push each other to be better, win as many games as possible and hopefully bring some trophies to The Pilot Field.

“Amy and the coaching team are doing a fine job and we’re looking forward to welcoming all the girls to the The Pilot Field for an open training session, which will also double up as a trial on Sunday, July 26.”

If you’re interested in trialling for the women’s team and want to attend the Pilot Field trial, email [email protected]